Philip Spires asked:




Mention Benidorm and with it, by implication, the concepts of package tourism, hotel buffets, British bars with one euro a pint lager, northern English Working Men’s Club turns imitating something neither themselves nor their audience have ever been, lobster-impersonating spit-burnt sunbathers and fried English breakfasts with the bacon already coated in tomato sauce, and I would bet that very few punters would auto-associate the phrase “cultural experience”. More likely, perhaps, might be the image of over-revelled revellers spewing out from the industrial-sized, garish and scruffy discos along the strip at nine in the morning, seated wavering by the roadside amidst the split, cracked and squashed plastic waste which these no doubt environmentally aware individuals seem to generate by the ton.

Benidorm, certainly, is not Spain. Like many other popular mass tourism resorts around the world, it has an identity which is quite apart from its host country or hinterland. Benidorm is not Spain in the same way, perhaps, that Kuta is not Bali, Nice not France, nor Acapulco Mexico. On the same scale, Blackpool is Britain! In effect these places are melting pots of imported identity, usually with a strong flavour of the largest group of visitors. In the case of Benidorm, of course, it’s the Brits. A fortnight in Benidorm can offer about as much exposure to Spanish culture as the experience of September lights in Blackpool informed the visitor of the Lancashire cotton industry. (The past tense is highly relevant here.) Equally, Benidorm juxtaposed with the word “culture” might vie for a definition of “oxymoron”, alongside German with humour, Ireland with culinary and British with honest. (I may borrow here and there from our working Men’s Club humour tradition, but perhaps employing a consistently different skin colour!)

Benidorm is known for its seven kilometres of perfectly kept, clean beaches, its year round tourism, its millions of visitors. It has fine places to eat in its old town and environs. It has nightlife, theme parks and five star golf resorts. It is surrounded by mountains, has an island nature reserve. And in a European sense, the area as a whole is truly cosmopolitan and increasingly sophisticated.
So when my wife and I came here about five years ago to claim a November base while we examined the possibility of a life-changing shift from work-a-day pressures, our prime goal was to investigate whether, near this tourism megalith, there might be space for a small rental business, aimed at those who might crave proximity to the iniquitous den whilst also wanting to retain a suburban distance from the rasping motorbikes, the hen and stag parties, the beachfront Harley Davidson pubs, the plastic glass discos and even the line dancing. Well we found our place and took the plunge. What we had not bargained for was “the culture”.

In that first month, as late-booking package tourists ourselves, we were making our first visit to mainland Spain for 24 years and we were pleased to find an odd festivity or two. Having lived here for a few years we now know, of course, that it’s actually quite hard to avoid them! The Benidorm town band – symphonic bands are the Valencian tradition, we now know – did a free concert in the salubrious Benidorm Palace, a place whose usual show apes the Folies Bergeres. The local choral society did the Venusburg music from Tannhauser alongside original compositions for the band and some populist offerings. We sought and found a sub-set of the band doing a jazz and Latino evening at the CAM Bank auditorium where, another night, there was a chamber music recital. Just along the road at the Cultural Centre in Alfaz del Pi there was an American pianist who had studied in Barcelona playing Montsalvatge.

Similarly, we found a soprano giving opera arias in Calpe.

And so we bought the place and we were owners of a house with two apartments, a beautiful Mediterranean garden, proximity to the tourist hub, but still very much a part of its own town, a place with outstanding local services. Our aim was limited, pragmatic and clear. After some fifty-six years of unbroken professional employment between us, we decided that a change was potentially better than a rest. We had already lived and worked in five countries and had extended experience of several others, but we had also concluded that pounds of flesh weigh the same the world over. Though we had gained a few of these over the years, having them occasionally demanded and extracted ran the risk of their being ripped from critical areas. Over the years the pay had been good, the pressure significant and, overall, the rewards worth the pain. But times change, lives change, priorities change and people reach fifty.

This was the time to do something different, to trade income for quality. We bought a house in La Nucia, just five kilometres from Benidorm’s beaches, the town’s skyscraper hotels visible from our front balcony. Our aim was to establish our own niche business renting the two bedroom garden apartment while we lived a modest if sometimes indulgent life on the first floor. We have now been doing this for more than four years, have an established clientele and basically have achieved what we wanted to achieve. We will not get rich from the trade. That was never our goal. From the start we wanted to offer simple, clean, affordable accommodation at a reasonable price, modelling our pitch on the kind of place middle class backpackers like ourselves would find both satisfying and a little surprising at the price. And it has worked well. What we had not bargained for was the “culture”.

For some sixteen of our thirty or so post-graduation years we had lived in London. We were vultures of the cultural type whenever energy levels ran to it. We were friends of the English National Opera during its ‘power house’ years. I was a teacher and, during school holidays, used to walk from Balham to central London for the lunchtime concerts, St James’s in Piccadilly being my favourite venue. Then we moved to Brunei and then to the United Arab Emirates. In Brunei we were members of the Music Society and helped to organise concerts. In Abu Dhabi, cultural events were very much in the purview of the diplomatic and private sector people, and there was and remains a vibrant cultural life in the city which, after all, is the nation’s capital. So we were able to attend good quality cultural events, comprising mainly music, theatre and visual arts, in both places. And then we came to Spain.

Our initial visit had suggested that there was more going on in this sphere than a browse through the package tour brochures might suggest. But if I was to relate that in the last eight months we have been to four operas, four full orchestral concerts, ten chamber music recitals, five local festivities, an international film festival, uncountable art exhibitions and goodness knows what else – and furthermore if I were to qualify this by saying that not once did we have to travel more than ten kilometres from home, would you associate this with Benidorm and the Costa Blanca? And, if you are mildly surprised by what I have just claimed, it would probably further surprise you to learn that in addition to this, Benidorm itself is building a new cultural centre, that ten kilometres down the road the new Villajoyosa Cultural Centre is about to open and that this year La Nucia, our home town, itself opened a 600-seat concert hall and a 3000-seat outside auditorium.

Perhaps I need to re-state how local is my claim. About thirty kilometres down the road from Benidorm is Alicante, a regional centre with a nineteenth century theatre presenting a full programme of ballet, drama and opera. About a hundred and forty kilometres north is Valencia, where the programme of the spectacular new Reina Sofia opera house is coordinated with those of New York’s Met and London’s Covent Garden. What I have described excludes those venues and only includes what can be found within ten kilometres of where we live, within ten kilometres of Benidorm, a cultural paradise.

You may have guessed that we are very keen on music, my wife and I. But we are also keen on theatre, dance, painting and the arts in general. We don’t tend to go to pop festivals, but if we did we have those locally as well.

Why not check out the listings for La Nucia, Altea, Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi, Villajoyosa and Finestrat? Choose your time of year and you could attend a superb musical event every night of your stay and I guarantee that the performance standard will be as good as anywhere. And if you can also take in Joachim Palomares and his ensemble playing their arrangements of Piazzolla tangos, or Altea’s April opera week or La Nucia’s Les Nits festival, you are in for a real treat. And when Benidorm’s new cultural centre is open, imagine glossy package tour brochures offering deals inclusive of stalls seats for Puccini or a performance of Steve Reich’s Drumming! Followed, of course, by a one euro pint of lager, bacon and eggs and a northern comic, perhaps.



bridal shower favors

Mona Sutherland asked:




Riding a taxi in Panama City can provoke just as many emotions as a free fall roller coaster ride, but at only a dollar a pop. Similar to the roller coaster, you can expect to jerk from left to right, feel your stomach drop, tense your muscles and squeal with excitement and/or fear in a Panama City cab. Like most taxis, especially in third world countries, the ride can make you fear for your life. But, there are some unique characteristics about a Panama City taxi ride that make each one out of the ordinary.

Exterior and Interior of Taxi

Though rumor has it that all taxis will eventually be yellow (like New York City), it is still possible to observe the vast array of shapes, styles and sizes managing the streets of Panama City. Some are new and air conditioned, while others look as though they are from circa 1970 and have survived a serious fire and numerous robberies.

The exterior of taxis have a substantially higher amount of dents and dings than other cars in Panama City. Taxis drivers have one objective when working, to get the passenger to their destination so that they can pick up another passenger, thus increasing their cash flow. Therefore, taxi drivers do not seem to have the same reservations about making incredibly risky moves, and consequently getting in more accidents. The speed in Panama City is never so fast that there is any serious damage, but the remnants of these failed attempts are blatantly obvious. And, once the initial damage has been incurred, what’s another dent?!
The interiors of taxis can bring a smile to almost anyone’s face. The interior decoration of Panama City taxis almost always includes a flag or football (not the American kind) dangling from the rear view mirror, or the space where a rear view mirror should be, just obstructing the line of vision enough to make things interesting. In the United States and other like countries, our idea of what a car needs in order to function is relatively superfluous compared to Panama. I mean, is an interior really necessary for driving? Absolutely not!

Array of Honks

Many people complain about the noise population on the streets of Panama City. However, if we listen carefully, it is more like an urban symphony. Some honks are the typical “beep beep,” while others are analogous to the whoops and whistles of men trying desperately to get the attention of a pretty girl, or the whistle you teach your Cockatiel Pretty Bird. Either way, it is obvious that taxi drivers go to a lot of trouble to personalize their horns and feel a certain sense of pride, given they exercise the right to honk at every available chance.

Conversations with Drivers

One of my favorite pastimes in Panama, and in any foreign environment, is chatting with the locals. It is undeniable that one of the best ways to become acquainted with a culture is by interacting with the natives, in their mother tongue. In Panama, taxi drivers provide an interesting and entertaining interpretation of life in the city. My conversations with them generally start off, “Are you Swiss? You look like the girl from the hot chocolate!” Then, after clarifying that I am not from 19th century Switzerland, we embark upon an undoubtedly colorful conversion, sure to be the subject of dinnertime conversion (if appropriate).

A particularly exciting day was when I took a taxi driver on a goose chase with me to fix my car battery. As is a normal daily occurrence in Panama City, a passenger was already in the cab when I was picked up. So, I hopped in the front seat and we were on our way. This particular passenger, a woman about 60 years old, was undoubtedly a foreigner, most likely American, Canadian or European. Shortly after I got on board, we arrived at her destination. She handed the driver seventy five cents, and all fares in Panama City are at least one dollar. The driver said in heavily accented English, “One dolla’!” I turned around and translated, “One dollar.” She spat back, like him, in heavily accented English, “He took me around the entire city!” Apparently, she felt as though the driver had taken her on a while goose chase with the hopes of pulling a fast one. After listening to her short, heated explanation, she leaped out of the taxi and soon disappeared from our sight. So, the driver gave up and we left for my destination. On the way, he muttered to himself about the “whats and whys” of the recent situation. After five minutes of being stuck in traffic and the driver leaning over me to throw his eaten meal out the window into a garbage can, our rapport had obviously gone through the roof, and he began to inquire about why my “paisana” (countrywoman) did such an awful thing. “Doesn’t she know I have to eat?!” So, I explained to him that, although she wasn’t my “paisana,” foreigners generally implement the taxi protocol born from the etiquette of their mother land. Another day, another dollar for him, and a mini lecture about the cultural differences between one country and another.

It is never a dull day in a Panama City taxi.

Watch Internet TV about Panama and Panama Real Estate!

Quality Investment possesses 300+ listings of Panama Real Estate!



party favors

Phil Adams-Wright asked:




A lot of families will argue over where they want to go on holiday, children will want to go to the beach or water parks, teenagers will want to lie by the pool and work on their tan and mum and dad will just want some peace and quiet as well as some much needed rest from work. It can be hard to find a destination that the whole family want and so there’s often compromises made.

Next year the whole family may be better off considering UK holiday parks as there truly is something for everyone. Whilst many families may have wanted to specifically get away to somewhere abroad in the past it’s now getting to the point where flying abroad is becoming a major hassle and thanks to rising flight costs and budget airline closures it is becoming increasingly expensive for most families.

This doesn’t mean that UK holidays are the wet weekend many mis-informed people have painted them as. Here in the UK our summers seem to be getting hotter as the years go by, which means that we are able to make the most of the great British countryside and coastline. The famous holiday parks that are located near to many of the famous coastline resorts have always been a family friendly holiday hot spot and in the past year alone they have seen massive increases in UK family bookings.

The numbers of current and favourite entertainers that have performed at the UK holiday parks have ranged from UK Pop music acts, X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent contestants as well as American WWE wrestlers and a wide range of other acts that will spark each member of the family’s interest.

The large number of activities during the day such as sports and games will keep children of all ages active as well as some other fun activities such as go-karting, trampolining and there’s always the beach nearby. If the weather sours then that’s not the end of the day, many activities are carried out indoors and there are even some parks that have indoor water parks that you’ll have trouble trying to get the children to leave at the end of the day!

Holidays in the UK are not only less hassle and expensive than flying away on a plane (that’s obviously assuming your flight doesn’t get delayed) but there are much more activities and entertainment than holidaying abroad where if the weather takes a turn for the worse then you will likely be herded indoors where there is little else you can do. So for great family holidays whatever the weather choose the UK for your 2010 family holidays!

With UK holiday parks at resorts all over the country it’s easier than ever to find your local family holidays destination.



bridal shower favors

Albert Alexander asked:




Now let me tell you about some of the greatest places that there are to snow board in the world. I really mean I am going to tell you about the places, that if you are a snow boarder you simply must visit if you want to have experienced the greatest snow boarding that is out there.

Solden in Austria

This amazing resort is about 50 miles away from Innsbruck and a further 20 miles away from Otztal. This amazing place has three killer slopes that have three of the speediest lifts in the world that also have some of the best views that I have ever seen. At least one night in the week the slopes open up to give you a chance to go night boarding in style. There is also a firework display and everything else that you can imagine to make the night a success, you can actually go for a drink in between runs and really enjoy all the aspects of snow boarding whilst drinking at the same time. If you have never been night boarding before this is something that you have to check out.

St Anton in Austria

St Anton has some of the best terrain that I have ever seen and that is one of the reasons that I think this place is up here in the best snow boarding destinations. If you like to free style then this is undoubtedly the place to be doing it. The slopes are not very forgiving and unless you like high speed, high octane fun then you should probably go elsewhere. The slope has amazing amounts of powder and really helps and boarder to accelerate a lot faster than they are used to.

Tignes in France

Tignes is without a doubt the place to go if you want to go snowboarding in France. Tignes was one of the first locations to actually welcome snowboarders whilst other felt that skiing was the only thing that you can do on the slopes. But let me tell you one thing ladies and gentleman. This place is also the top place to learn your trade, with a wide range of training courses for those that want to teach snow boarding for a living. If you are looking for tree runs then this is not the place to hang, but it certainly has a lot of excellent runs that you simply must try.

XCAPE BUILDING SNOWZONE in the UK

This is the best in indoor entertainment that is out their. If you think playing your play station is indoor entertainment then you really have another thing coming folks. You only pay an hourly fee for the time you spend on the slopes and that even includes boot hire and hiring of a board. The fact is that this is such as enclosed area, and there are instructors all over the place watching what you do. When I went I got a lot of helpful feedback from instructors and at their own free will. A very good place to learn.

LAAX in Switzerland

This my friends is snow boarding heaven and a must, see and do for everyone. This place is home to some of the biggest snow boarding events in the world, and you never see a pro turn down an opportunity to strut his stuff on these challenging slopes. When an event happens here it really is seen as being cool, as well as whatever else. The top DJs, singers and pop stars all want to come along to associate themselves with whatever is going on. This place has half-pipes galore for those who would rather flip than anything else. The ski lift is also good and for many beginners this is the most enjoyable part of their visit. You will find some challenging slopes as well as other slopes that are tailored for beginners.



bridal shower favors

Nancy Kinley asked:




In the midst of Los Angeles County’s west side, Redondo Beach sets itself apart from the masses of southern California beaches in many ways while still reflecting the best of the laid-back lifestyle for which the area is legendary. Close to so many amusement parks and museums, Redondo Beach is certain to have something enjoyable for everyone.

Redondo Beach has been referred to many times as having “one of the most romantic sunset watching places in the entire world”- the Seafront Esplanade. The city that once was one of the busiest commercial ports in southern California now is home to a pleasure pier, lined with quaint, unique shops and restaurants and a sport fishing fleet. Don’t forget about the marinas, for what would a southern Cali beach destination be without them!

Throughout the year, Redondo Beach plays host to a number of festivals and shows, including the “Summer Pier Concert Series”, a collection of free summer concerts right on the pier featuring various pop, rock, blues, modern, jazz artists from around the country all summer long and ending on Labor Day. And if that’s not enough music for you, be sure to check out the “Summer Concert Series” located at the Esplanade at Torrance Blvd.

The variety of Redondo Beach festivals goes unmatched throughout the entire world. From the “Artists by the Sea”- a vivacious display of local artists displaying their craft along the boardwalk, to the 2006 Surf Festival, as Redondo Beach is the home of modern surfing, to the Kite and Lobster Festivals. Remember to glance though the annual Chalk Art Festival, where artists from every walk of life gather and create “SEA LIFE” drawings with chalk on the pavement. Groups, teams and individuals are asked to share their talents in recognition of memories, hopes, aspirations and preservation of clean, healthy waters for the future.

If you’ve packed your pooches to accompany you to Redondo Beach, you’ll be pleased to know that Fido will not be neglected. Dominguez Park is also known as the “Dog Park”, complete with a wide open running space for larger dogs, and a smaller, enclosed area for smaller canines known as “Puppy Place”.

On an historic note, the Hollywood Riviera, or “The Village” as it is referred to by locals, was originally bought by a developer in hopes of creating the ideal Hollywood background. A few movie producers followed suit and a few movies were made here in the 1930’s. Those particular illusions faded, but café bistros, art galleries, quaint shoppes and restaurants materialized instead. Now, you can head pass the village in search of that perfect espresso and dessert, swim suit to flaunt at the beach, or maybe that antiquity of extraordinary interest to treasure as a remembrance of your trip to Redondo Beach.



party favors

Lorraine Waddell asked:




On a visit to Italy, camping is undoubtedly the best way to immerse yourself in the great outdoors and enjoy the wonderfully scenic Alps. However, with several campsites to be found close to the cities, there is a chance to make the most of the Italian urban culture as well.

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, you will find a city that has successfully preserved its artistic heritage. The second biggest city in Veneto, Verona embodies a wonderful blend of its ancient Roman past and modern Italy. Camping gives you the opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities, making it all the more special when you enter this artistic haven.

Casa di Giulietta

The majority of people visiting Verona recognise it as the home of the most famous star-crossed lover’s society has ever known – Romeo and Juliet. Although there is continual debate as to whether their existence was fictitious or not, this has not stopped visitors flocking to the house of Juliet. Wander into the courtyard and you will see Juliet’s balcony, from which you may spread your arms and make your own “wherefore art thou” declarations. The house itself contains a small museum featuring frescoes, ceramics and paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, all related to Shakespeare’s most famous play. Before you leave, be sure to stop at the largest bronze statue in the courtyard; rubbing the right ****** of this statue is purported to bring you luck in all aspects of romance. Whether or not Romeo and Juliet really existed, you will be transported into Shakespeare’s world and an ancient Italy. Camping in this region will feel much more romantic following a visit to Casa di Guilietta.

Arena di Verona

There are plenty of campsites to be found surrounding the beautiful Lake Garda, many of which are no more than half an hour’s drive from Verona. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in Northern Italy, Camping Bella Italia is an example of a comfortable and convenient campsite, situated close enough for you to stay longer in Verona and make the most of the evening entertainment it has to offer. The Arena di Verona is one of the biggest and best preserved amphitheatres remaining from the Roman Empire. With the capacity to seat around 15,000 spectators, it has become a popular venue for both classical and contemporary performances. By day, take a stroll into the arena and imagine yourself as a gladiator, then relax with a picnic on the tiered seating. Before you return to your campsite, you can enjoy an evening performance in the arena. The performance will obviously depend on the timing of your visit. June through to August is the best time to enjoy operas or ballets, as these are then moved indoors during the winter months. Recently, however, the Verona Arena has also hosted popular music bands such as The Who, Elton John and Muse, so be sure to see what is available during your visit.

Valpolicella Valley

To the East of Lake Garda and not far from Verona, the Valpolicella Valley is just one of the many regions famous for its wines in Italy. Camping just outside Verona, you will be struck by the charming countryside and an excursion into the Valley is the perfect way to see more. Colloquially known as the ‘pearl of Verona’, the area is steeped in natural beauty. Head towards San Giorgio – a small town perched on the top of a hill in the Western part of Valpolicella – and from there you can enjoy walking downwards through the olives and vines. You will also come across fascinating structures such as La Pieve – a picturesque church made entirely from local stone. At some point on your walk you might like to pop into one of the many vineyards along your way and sample the produce of a region that has been in the winemaking business since the middle of the twelfth Century.

The regions surrounding Verona are particularly picturesque areas of Italy. Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the naturally stunning landscapes and surround yourself with beautiful mountains and lakes. However, venturing into Verona does not mean that you have to lose that tranquil and relaxed feeling, as you may find yourself transported by the traditional art, attractive architecture and charming culture.



bridal shower favors

Kathryn Lively asked:

New York City is known for many things: the bright lights of Broadway, fine cuisine and corner vendors, glamour and excitement. Yet for those interested in the paranormal and unexplained, the Big Apple may very well be renamed the Big Haunt.

A growing interest in the paranormal and unexplained draws visitors to the City, year after year, to explore the less than touristy parts of the five boroughs. Celebrity spooks and historical specters are the stars of these underworld tours, and you never know when some will stop by to say hello, or “Boo!”

Once you’ve seen the popular sights the city has to offer, why not take a trip down the eerie side of the City many call home…years after they have departed? If you’re in the mood for a frightfully fun stay in New York, and can’t wait until the Halloween, the city is not without yearlong otherworldly charm.

Here are just a few frightfully fun spots to explore:

Merchant’s House Museum: This is a must-see for any ghost chaser, where else but the one place called the “most haunted house in Manhattan?” Certain times of the year, the Merchant’s House Museum presents ghost tours and lectures on various topics, including the art of dying. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of any of the curious spirits known to wander the property, perhaps one of Seabury Tredwell, who died in the very house in 1865. Call ahead to find out when the Museum offers an authentic recreation of his passing and funeral.

Hotel Chelsea: The Chelsea Hotel is long known as a one-time residence for widely-known literary and pop culture icons. William S. Burroughs, Donald Sutherland, and Bob Dylan once hung their hats here, and rocker Sid Vicious reportedly killed his girlfriend Nancy in their room.

Whether Nancy haunts the Chelsea remains to be confirmed, but it is said that the ghost of Dylan Thomas haunts the famous hotel. Of course, he died after drinking too many spirits at the White Horse Tavern and was taken to the Chelsea after collapsing outside the pub. It is believed he haunts the White Horse, too, so maybe he’s pulling double duty?

New Amsterdam Theater: Did you hear the one, too, about the Ziegfield Follies showgirl who haunts this popular venue? Many have claimed to see Olive Thomas strutting the stage in her beaded costume, no doubt looking to take one last bow.

Radio City Music Hall: If the Rockettes are kicking extra high some nights, it could be from fright! The ghost of Roxy Rothafel is said to haunt the theatre he built.

The Algonquin Hotel: Known for the eclectic group of wits and writers of the earliest 20th century who gathered often as the Vicious Circle, this hotel is also home to permanent guests. It is said some of the Circle have continued their stay at their favorite Round Table and elsewhere in the hotel. Could it be the tart-tongued Dorothy Parker, the hilariously mute Harpo Marx, or maybe Alexander Woollcott? If you hear a horn blow from nowhere, that may narrow it down.

The Dakota: This stylish Manhattan apartment building is believed to be haunted by the ghost of John Lennon, who was fatally shot near the entrance.

Hotels and theatres, pop stars and fallen stars, New York City is home to millions. How many are living as opposed to the living dead is difficult to say, but for those with a fascination for the paranormal half the fun is finding out.

wedding party favors

Mark Andersen asked:




San Francisco is an interesting city. It’s the thirteenth most populated city in the U.S. but when it comes to population density it’s ranked second.

It’s very expensive to live in San Francisco. The city’s property values have escalated to among the highest in the nation. However, San Francisco residents have the highest income in the country.

Since it’s so expensive to live in the city, middle class families have moved out and young, single, professionals have moved in.

To accommodate these affluent and childless denizens, a plethora of restaurants, nightclubs and bars have sprung up all over the city. In other words, there’s a lot to do in San Francisco after the sun goes down. (If you want things to do in San Francisco with children, click here.)

Following is an itinerary to utilize everything the nightlife in San Francisco has to offer. During your trip, you’ll tour several of the city’s unique districts and visit many of the city’s main attractions. It won’t take long for you to realize that the “City by the Bay” is just as exciting at night as it is during the day.

SOMA

As the sun sets on San Francisco, you find yourself standing in the SOMA district.

SOMA stands for “South of Market.” This area is located in the eastern part of the city and is home to San Francisco’s top art galleries.

As night descends, you browse through the latest exhibits at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (151 Third Street) and then at the newest editions to the Yerba Buena Arts Center (701 Mission Street).

Looking at art can make one thirsty, so you grab a cocktail at one of the many art-gallery-slash-cocktail-lounges. The Minna Gallery (111 Minna Street) and the Mezzanine (444 Jessie Street) are two of the most popular.

You can stay in SOMA for dinner, but tonight you’re out to see as much of the city as possible, so you continue on to your next destination.

Of course, if you had dined in SOMA you might have visited the Salt House (545 Mission Street) for some excellent American cuisine or the cozy Fringale (570 4th Street) for their exquisite French faire.

And if you had dined in SOMA, you probably would have visited the Supperclub (657 Harrison Street) afterwards. This ultra cool club has patrons dining on beds and sipping pricey cocktails while watching Cirque du Soleil-type shows. It’s a feast for the senses.

THE CASTRO

Your next stop is the Castro district-center of the city’s *** culture. It was here that Harvey Milk, recently portrayed in the movie Milk by actor Sean Penn, opened a camera shop and began his political activism.

You’re traveling to the Castro district to visit the historic movie palace, the Castro Theater (428 Castro Street). This theater shows new and old, domestic and foreign, and mainstream and independent films. It’s also quite the social hot spots for movie buffs.

After taking in a movie, you might want to dine at 2223 Restaurant (2223 Market Street). This affordable restaurant is known to have some of the best food in the city. If you’re not in the mood for American food, the Thai House Express on Castro (599 Castro Street) always receives rave reviews.

After dinner, you partake in some wine tasting at the Swirl on Castro (572 Castro Street). You not only taste wines that come from all over the world but you also browse their showroom full of gifts and wine accessories.

Next stop is the Bar on Church (198 Church). This legendary hot spot has trendsetting deejays, retro furnishing and a patio bar. It is the place to be when you’re in the Castro.

THE FILLMORE

You could hang out at the Bar on Church all night, but you have places to go and a rock band to see. You head north to the historic Fillmore (1805 Geary Boulevard) to catch your favorite band live on stage.

One of the cathedrals of America music, the Fillmore has seen legendary rock bands like the Grateful Dead, The Who, The Doors and The Jimi Hendrix Experience perform on its stage. Today, it books such diverse artists as Blondie, Eagles of Death Metal and DeVotchKa.

THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Wanting to relax after the high energy concert (and wanting the ringing from your ears to dissipate), you venture northeast and visit the Cigar Bar & Grill (850 Montgomery Street). You unwind with a nice Montecristo and some smooth Courvosier.

The Cigar Bar & Grill has a friendly, causal atmosphere and is one of the few places open late at night in the Financial District.

MISSION DISTRICT

The night is still young and you’re still thirsty. You venture down to San Francisco’s Mission District for a little bar hoping.

The Mission District is home to a slew of great neighborhood bars like the Thieves Tavern (496 14th Street), Elxir (3200 16th Street), 500 Club (500 Guerrero Street), Delirium (3139 16th Street) and Gestalt Haus (3159 16th Street).

The Beauty Bar (2299 Mission Street) is decorated with the salvaged interior from a Long Island salon. The bar offers music and cocktails seven days a week, but Thursday through Sunday you can get a manicure.

PRESIDIO PET CEMETERY

Now that you’re liquored up and your nails are nicely manicured, you decide it’s time to creep yourself out. So you drop in on the Presidio Pet Cemetery.

It was once the unofficial burial site for deceased pets belonging to families stationed at the Presidio-a former military installation but since 1994 it has belonged to the National Park Service.

Currently, the cemetery is closed to new members, but that doesn’t stop some grieving pet owners from secretly burying their departed loved ones. Of course burials at the Presidio now have to be done under the cover of night to avoid the wrath of law enforcement.

HAIGHT-ASHBURY

With the sun about to rise and a tear in your eye from reading Fluffy’s tombstone, you stroll into the Haight-Ashbury neighbor for some breakfast.

After all, where else can you go when you reek of smoke, alcohol and dead pets but the birthplace of the hippies?

You grab a coffee at the extremely laid-back Horseshoe Cafe (566 Haight Street). And then you have breakfast at Kate’s Kitchen (471 Haight Street). You had to wait for a table, but breakfast at Kate’s is always worth it.

Since the morning is still crisp, you take a leisurely stroll around Golden Gate Park before returning home.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

The San Francisco Giants play at AT&T Park (24 Willie Mays Plaza). The park is located in the SOMA district and is surrounded by a bevy of restaurants and bars.

Civic Center/Tenderloin is San Francisco’s own theater district. There you’ll find the Curran, Golden Gate, Herbst, Orpheum and Warfield Theaters. It’s also the home to the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, the San Francisco Opera (the second largest opera company on the continent) and the San Francisco Ballet.

Beach Blanket Babylon is a San Francisco institution. The zany musical spoof of pop culture performs at Club Fugazi (678 Green Street) in San Francisco’s North Beach district. Now in its 34th year, it’s the longest running musical revue in theatre history.

SAYING GOODBYE TO THE CITY BY THE BAY

Regardless of where you start or where you finish, San Francisco is rich in culture, arts and entertainment. The city is well organized, easy to navigate and teeming with vivacious nightlife.

While it’s possible to see a lot of the city in one night, it’s also possible to spend multiple nights exploring just one neighborhood. For these culturally rich and fascinating districts make San Francisco a truly unique American city.



bridal shower favors

Claire Bryant asked:




Holidays in Egypt are an exciting and exotic experience. Egypt offers a diverse mix of breathtaking, historical sites and natural wonders. This article suggests three exciting destinations to visit while on your holiday in Egypt.

Cairo

Cairo is one of the world’s largest urban areas with nearly 20 million people living in the capital city. As soon as you step out of your hotel in Egypt, your senses will be overwhelmed from the intense smell of spices and the noise from the nearby hustle and bustle of the city.

There are so many magnificent and wonderful sites to choose from in Cairo but no holiday to Egypt is complete without visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza.

There are several ways to enjoy the spectacular views of the pyramids. If you are adventurous, why not step inside and squeeze through the dark passage way all the way to the tomb, whilst imagining who would have walked this passage thousands of years ago. Or you could enjoy a camel ride around the Pyramids and picture yourself watching the nearby Sphinx being carved by thousands of people from just one single block of stone. With a bit of imagination and a sense of history, you can have a lot of fun making your holiday in Egypt an epic historical experience for yourself.

Sinai – Sharm el Sheikh

If you are looking for relaxation, some pampering and luxury accommodation on your holiday in Egypt, then why not follow in Lawrence of Arabia’s footsteps and head to the coastline of the Sinai Peninsula.

Situated on the Southern tip on the Peninsula, Sharm el Sheik is one of many beautiful resorts in the area. Most people visit Sharm for its exceptional snorkelling and diving, and you will find excellent diving facilities at most hotels. Even beginners can enjoy discovering a new colourful world under the sea, as the Red Sea is very calm and it is just so easy to pop your head in the water and be overwhelmed by hundreds of multi-coloured fish – but watch out for the moray eels as they can be a bit territorial. Sharm el Sheikh is the ideal place to escape and enjoy the natural wonders of the underwater world.

If being under the warm waters of the Red Sea is not your idea of fun in the sun, on your holiday in Egypt there are plenty of other active excursions to enjoy in the Sinai region. How does an exciting jeep safari in the Sinai sound? On a day’s excursion you can enjoy a brisk climb up Mount Sinai, which is famous for being the site where Moses received his ten commandments, followed by a tour of St Katherine’s Monastery and if you don’t mind a bumpy journey through parts of the desert you can take a ride on a camel.Although Sharm el Sheik is an ideal location to sit back and relax, if you fancy taking a break from your sun lounger for the day there are plenty of magical and exciting sites to explore.



bridal shower favors